Lieutenant Kevin “Cal” Lauria celebrated his retirement with friends and co- workers at a restaurant party last week after 25 years with the Plymouth Township Police Department.

During his career Lauria served in various capacities in the department, including the rank of detective, field training officer, evidence technician and was a member of the department honor guard. He was promoted to his current rank in 2011.

Lauria, 48, started his public safety career in 1990 near his hometown of Grand Rapids with the Walker Police Department and six months later joined the Plymouth Township police force as a patrol officer.

Hesitant to talk about his numerous awards and accomplishments, Lauria said his father, retired court magistrate Vincent Lauria of the 61st District Court in Grand Rapids, was his inspiration to get into police work.

“After school, me and my brothers would go to the courtroom and listen in on informal hearings with my Dad…I loved it.” Lauria said.

One of seven children, Lauria and three of his brothers are in law enforcement. One sister also works in public safety as the head of security for a firm in Alaska.

Plymouth Township Police Chief Tom Tiderington and Township Supervisor Shannon Price honored Lt. Lauria at a board of trustees meeting last month and spoke of his many letters of commendation and gratitude for his service from citizens and other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.

A graduate of Northern Michigan University, Lauria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and a minor in communications.

Lauria, a long-time Farmington area resident, said he has plans to work in sales and later move to St.Croix.